A special episode for me as I celebrate 60 years as a member of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the most famous active cricket in the world and guardian of the laws of the game.

To mark this milestone I’m joined by Karl McDermott, MCC Head Groundman responsible for the upkeep and preparation of the pitches and outfield at Lord's Cricket Ground, The Home of Cricket.

Brought up in Ireland, Karl spent his formative years as a groundsman at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin but always had the ambition to get into the professional game.  He joined the grounds team at Worcester, moved to Hampshire CCC before successfully applying for the role at Lord's, the pinnacle for players and cricket lovers around the world.

His first season (2019) included the World Cup Final, an Ashes Test and a Test Match against Ireland, only to be followed by months of isolation in 2020 during lockdown.

Karl talks about weather watching, the Lord's slope, hybrid pitches, 'Bazball' and handling adverse press comment.

Lord's Cricket Ground, The Home of Cricket